PS Store Shovelware Problem Explained in New Report

Shovelware plaguing the PlayStation Store is a tale as old as time. Whether it’s a game developed with an easy Platinum in mind, or just general garbage titles that don’t benefit anyone, these types of games have been available essentially since digital storefronts became more prominent on home consoles. However, it seems the problem is getting worse, with a new report shedding some light on why hundreds of these games are flooding the PS Store.

How is PS Store shovelware able to pass certification?

As reported by Rebekah Valentine at IGN, literally hundreds of games considered shovelware or “slop” are not only populating the PS Store, but also being advertised on specific sections of the digital storefront. Specifically for PlayStation, the “Games to Wishlist” section is most wrought with these types of games. So, how is it that these games are able to find a place on the store pages?

It seems its a mixture of the certification process for a specific platform (in this case, PlayStation), and developer’s tricking the system. In an even more general sense than described in the article, a developer will pitch to Sony who they are and what they want to release on the storefront.

If approved, this would give them access to development backend portals, and devkits. Then a form is filled out describing the game. PlayStation will then begin its certification process where it checks if the build fits platform requirements, both technically and to make sure no laws are being broken. If it passes, it could be released on the storefront.

According to the report, this process is fairly similar for all platform holders. One primary way they differ, however, is how they vet applications. Microsoft vets on a game-by-game basis, while Sony vets on a developer or publisher basis. This means once the developer or publisher has been approved once, the process of getting a game onto the PS Store is much easier, possibly leading the developer to pump out loads of games into the storefront within a small time frame. In turn, this could result in shovelware flooding sales, new releases, and recommendation pages.

“On all consoles, you get the opportunity to get featured, but you’re also on these automatic lists,” said a developer. “If people are just pumping crap into the system, you get pushed down the list. Any list. The systems are being overwhelmed and you’re going to get pushed out of there. I’ve been working on my game for six years, someone else has been working on their game for six months and makes a dozen copies of it…it’s just crushing.”

It is currently unclear if Sony plans to take action on this shovelware issue. In the past, it was reported that the PS Store’s easy platinum games like Press X for Trophies were banned. So, while action isn’t being taken right now, there is a possibility Sony may do so in the future.

(Source: IGN)

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